Best Italian Restaurants in Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

73 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

4.9

Exceptional(5518)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 191 times today

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

2. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4202)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 119 times today

Seneca, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a splendid Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Roman simplicity and culinary excellence. The restaurant brilliantly merges traditional Roman cooking techniques with San Diego's rich ingredient palette, creating a "True Roman Holiday in SD." Diners consistently praise its authentic Italian offerings, with one visitor remarking, "Visiting from Italy, good food selection and octopus tasted beautifully :)." The atmosphere is equally lauded, from its stunning downtown harbor views to its vibrant ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, Seneca stands out as a top choice for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego.

3. Nolita Hall

4.3

Awesome(769)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 85 times today

Nolita Hall, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a fresh and modern take on Italian cuisine that dazzles with authenticity and innovation. Since its grand opening in 2018, Nolita Hall has become a culinary landmark, celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and a menu that features delights from a Fiori woodfire oven, which is the heart of their Italian-inspired offerings. Patrons rave about the "best hot honey pizza" and the meticulously crafted cocktails, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and the integrity of ingredients. With accolades like the Orchid Award for its stunning interior, Nolita Hall is the go-to destination for those seeking a contemporary Italian feast in a chic and inviting setting. Whether it's for a game night or a sophisticated dinner, every visit is an experience to remember, making it a must-visit in San Diego's Little Italy.

4. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4312)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 100 times today

Barbusa, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a slice of Sicily with its authentic and modern Italian cuisine. Praised for its "excellent food" and "lively atmosphere," this gem stands out for its handcrafted pastas, stone-fired pizzas, and the freshest seafood. A favorite among locals, Barbusa is celebrated for its distinctive dishes like the Sicilian Ribeye and short rib lasagna, which are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic food" and "incredible ambiance," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. With options for gluten-free and vegan diners, Barbusa ensures a delightful dining experience for all.

5. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(315)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 73 times today

At Roman Wolves, located in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego, diners are treated to a sublime Contemporary Italian culinary experience that's rooted in Rome's illustrious traditions. With a menu that boasts the ever-popular cheese wheel pasta, described as "the best thing ever," and dishes like the oxtail ragu and guanciale & pepper bucatini, the authenticity and innovation are palpable. Reviewers rave about the "amazing quality food" and the atmosphere that makes every meal memorable. One diner enthused, "If you want true Italian food like Italy, this is the place to go." Whether it's the impeccable service, the thoughtful dishes, or the vibrant ambiance, Roman Wolves represents the pinnacle of Contemporary Italian cuisine in San Diego.

A photo of Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant

6. Solare Ristorante Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(2445)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Point Loma

Booked 25 times today

Family-owned and operated, Randy Smerik and his team are dedicated to providing an amazing dining experience for you. Our authentic Italian cuisine features a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. including fresh pasta made each morning and organic produce, wild fish, and hormone free meat.

A photo of Officine Buona Forchetta restaurant

7. Officine Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(501)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Point Loma

Booked 78 times today

At Officine Buona Forchetta in the vibrant Liberty Station neighborhood of Point Loma, San Diego, diners are treated to an authentic slice of Italy with its award-winning Neapolitan-style pizza. Renowned for its dedication to quality and authenticity, guests rave about the “heavenly crust” and toppings that create a “perfect combination of flavors” making it “the best pizza in San Diego.” The restaurant's rustic yet modern ambiance adds to the allure, where every pizza is a testament to Italian culinary traditions. As one reviewer puts it, “if you want a true pizza experience, go no further.” Officine Buona Forchetta not only promises but delivers a delightful dining experience with its stellar pizza and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for pizza aficionados and casual diners alike.

8. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7108)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Banker's Hill

Booked 74 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.

A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

9. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(965)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 26 times today

At Provisional Restaurant in the heart of Downtown San Diego, pizza lovers are in for a true delight. The restaurant's Pizza Bar stands out with its woodfire-oven baked pizzas that are a testament to authentic Italian craftsmanship. Diners rave about the quality and flavor, with one guest exclaiming the experience as “fantastic,” especially praising the ambiance that complements the dining experience. The pizzas here are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each pie is both visually appealing and bursting with flavors. Whether you're a local or visiting, Provisional’s Pizza Bar is a culinary gem in San Diego that promises an exceptional pizza experience.

A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

10. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3307)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 100 times today

Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Destiny
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The service was a wonderful experience as a first time diner to Seneca. The food and cocktails were amazing. My family and I had a beautiful view while dining here. Most definitely will eat there again.
More info
SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.7
J
JeanVIP
Fort Lauderdale •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food at reasonable prices. Good service, floor was a bit cold initially but we eventually got used to it.
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
R
Rylee
Nashville •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
They were open for Christmas Dinner and served the most amazing food. It truly felt like being in Italy. Everything from the appetizer to dessert was just absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend!
More info
Roman WolvesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
B
Betsy
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was our first time at Cesarina, and it won’t be our last! The pastas were absolutely outstanding—I especially loved my Arrabiatissima with malfalde and guanciale—and the table-side-made tiramisu was the best we’ve ever had. We loved the ambiance of the outside patio. Everything was splendid and the staff worked tirelessly and successfully to create a festive environment. Can’t wait to return!
More info
CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
•
4.9
T
Teresa
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Went during happy hour. Loved the food and drinks Beautiful Christmas set up. Service was excellent. Definitely going back
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.3

Explore OpenTable

Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Italian

Best Italian Restaurants in Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

73 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

2. Seneca

3. Nolita Hall

4. Barbusa

5. Roman Wolves

6. Solare Ristorante Lounge

7. Officine Buona Forchetta

8. CUCINA urbana

9. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

10. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable